Covered EntitiesOrganizations and individuals required to comply with HIPAA rules for handling protected health information.
Healthcare ProxyA legal document appointing someone to make healthcare decisions on a person's behalf if they become incapacitated.
HIPAAThe Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, a federal law that sets standards for protecting patient health information privacy and security.
Informed ConsentPatient's voluntary permission for medical treatment after full disclosure of risks, benefits, and alternatives.
Medical MalpracticeProfessional negligence by a healthcare provider through actions or treatment that deviate from accepted standards of practice, resulting in harm to a patient.
PHIProtected Health Information (PHI) is any individually identifiable health data protected by HIPAA privacy standards.
Standard of CareThe level of care and skill that a reasonably competent healthcare provider would exercise in similar circumstances.